President Donald Trump has directed all United States flags be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on July 18, 2020 in honor of Representative John Lewis, of Georgia.

Proclamation from the President

For Entire United States

President Trump’s Proclamation on the Death of John Lewis
Issued on: July 18, 2020

As a mark of respect for the memory and longstanding public service of Representative John Lewis, of Georgia, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions through July 18, 2020. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half‑staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.

DONALD J. TRUMP

Representative John Lewis

February 21, 1940 – July 17, 2020

Congrassman John Lewis was a Civil Rights leaders and politician. He served as Representative for the 5th district in the State of Georgia. He was first elected to Congress in 1987.

From his House of Representatives bio: “Often called “one of the most courageous persons the Civil Rights Movement ever produced,” John Lewis has dedicated his life to protecting human rights, securing civil liberties, and building what he calls “The Beloved Community” in America. His dedication to the highest ethical standards and moral principles has won him the admiration of many of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the United States Congress.

He has been called “the conscience of the U.S. Congress,” and Roll Call magazine has said, “John Lewis…is a genuine American hero and moral leader who commands widespread respect in the chamber.”

As a reminder, when the U.S. flag is flown at half-staff or half-mast, it should first be raised to the top for a an instant, then immediately lowered to the half-staff or half-mast position. Prior to lowering the flag it should be raised once more to the peak, then lowered.